Countdown to Christmas 2007!!!

[sila]

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr freezing here

[Crown 84]

SEASON DAY 12
Days to Christmas Day: 31 (One month from tomorrow!)

Good morning, all.
Did everyone survive "Black Friday?"

Auntie, I show 1,217 posts for 2004 and "over 2,700" for 2005.
Did not record the 2006 number in my documents, but it was included in the January 2007 post at TXP. If anyone has the archive of that post, it should include the 2006 total. If your 3,756 figure represents the final when the tread was locked, we will go with that.
(Of course, we will be down this year because the thread was not launched on this site until late July.)

It is 38 and sunny/calm outside here in Raleigh at this hour.
The high today and tomorrow is supposed to be in the low 50's.

Had fun with the family yesterday running around from place to place. I really enjoy being with them.
(I am lucky to have a family that always gets along. We never have any serious arguments)

Have a Stupendous Saturday Start to the weekend!
(After being off work for 2 days, it feels like we should be past Saturday by now.)

[Binger]

I actuallyw ent out on black friday..... of course it was only to Starbucks....

[Binger]

Hey Michigan.... did I stump you? How about you Scotland? or Raleigh?.. or New Joisey....

[Crown 84]

Bing, do you like your Friday's black, or with a little cream?

[mammaduke]

:rudolph:Having fun with getting everything set for Christmas, I always seem to find more things to get to put up in the house.
The weather here has been off & on snow then the sun comes out to melt it, again it snows. Tomorrow is suppose to be in the 40's with rain on Monday, then again on Tuesday turning colder, & snow off & on for the next 4 days.:cry:

[sila]

morningxxxx
i felll down stairs and twisted my knee this morning it was sooooo scary!!

[Maureen]

BZZZZZ -Well, paus dulexes have never been my strong subject but I'll go for ....... What is a JayIsh........???

How's your knee Sila??

Have a lot to do in the house today so the coffee maker is cranked up to High Octane and I'm wandering around with my Bubba Keg Travel 20 thermos mug (in bright red to be seasonal)

Contemplating making maple cookies.............

[ChristmasFan08]

I hope you are ok sila best wishes

[clarebear]

Sila i hope your knee is ok hun.
Merry Christmas everyone! its freezing here!!

[Binger]

GOOD QUESTION.. "What is Jayish..." ( So many of us have been wondering for years...( and years and years...)

"I'll take Coffee Black...." skip Jeopardy...

YABBA!

[Binger]

Crown.. there is nothing but Coffee black for me.... oh sure the occasional latte... but strong... rich..black coffee.. OMG.. gotta run to Starbucks now... nothing like supporting
" The corporate entity..."

YABBA!

[Crown 84]

Hope you get better soon, Sila.
I fell down stairs (on Christmas Eve, no less!) back in 2004 and sprained my ankle. Limped around for quite a while but eventually recovered.

SEASON DAY 13
Days to Christmas Day: 30 (One month from today!)

Forty-one outside here in Raleigh at this hour.
We are supposed to reach the low to mid 50's by this afternoon with a possible sprinkle. From the look of things outside, it looks like it rained a bit last night.

Well, have a Super Sunday and enjoy the rest of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The BIG ONE is yet to come!

[Crown 84]

Hey, Cedar! Where have you been the last 2 days?

(Maybe Bix ran off with the turkey and she's still chasing him.)

[JayIsh]

Wow!!! I'm a Jeopardy question!!! How cool is that? "What is JayIsh..." That is a question that has plagued me for forty five years...

Went to the twenty-first birthday celelbration of my best friend's daughter last night...I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up...She said "I don't know, how about you?" I said, "I don't know either..."

I have an odd day planned...My Dad and I are taking an aerobatic biplane ride this afternoom...Believe it or not, this was a Christmas gift given to he and I last Christmas...I'll be flying upside down, gulp, doing loops, gulp, barrel rolls, gulp, and something called a Cuban roll, which I always thought was some kind of sandwich...I'm a litte nervous...I'll report back after the trip!

Jay

[sila]

evening xxxxxxx

[Binger]

OMG I wish I could see that Cuban roll..... Jayish upside down.. now there's a sight...

[Binger]

BTW- Jay- ever hear from Gracie? I remember her from Christmas.Com.. Rumor was that the two of you were suppose to be the same person.....

[Maureen]

Remind me to show you my sphereing pics sometime!!

[sila]

morning all xxxxxxxxxx

[JayIsh]

I'm alive!!! I tried to post last night but something went haywire and the post didin't stick...so I'll write it again!!!

Gracie is doing very well and I speak to her periodically, we are not the same person, at least I don't think we are...I think we are twins separated at birth!!!

The plane flight was incredible...Terrifying, electrifying, stupifying, and then my 77 year old Dad did it and came of with the biggest smile I've ever seen him have...It was a great day! Can't say I'm ready to do that everyday, or every week, or every month, or every year...But I'm glad I did it...All I can tell you is that flying upside down is just plain wrong!!!

I have a picture of me in the cockpit...I'll try and remember how to post pics and put it here later today!!!

Happy rainy Monday folks!!! The season is kicked off and in full force!!! And it is "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"!

jay

[Crown 84]

Yes, Jay, we are really off and running now that the rest of the world has caught up to us and we are all together in the Christmas Season!

SEASON DAY 14
Days to Christmas Day: 29 (Less than one month!)

Well, we had a great 4-day Thanksgiving weekend.
I hope all of you did as well, and are ready to move another week into our glorious Christmas Season.
(I'm stuffed to the crown on turkey!)

Have a Marvelous Monday, everybody!

[JayIsh]

Here is me doing my best Snoopy/World War I flying ace impression...Pay no attention to that look of terror on my face...I was completely brave! In fact, the pilot said he never heard a man scream at such a high pitch before!!! So I've got that going for me...which is nice...

[Cedarfarm]

It's SNNOWING!!! Right Now!!!!
I just took this of my Morgan gelding, "UpHill Victor"....waiting for a carrot!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/chicks_/vic1.jpg

[Cedarfarm]

OK, Here is another shot I just took of the barn in the snowstorm we are having as I type this!!! SO BEAUTIFUL!!!! Wish you were here, but I would be a lazy hostess..I caught something over the week-end and my sinuses are acting up...better go sniff some horseradish.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/chicks_/vic2.jpg

[Cedarfarm]

JAYSTER!!! You brave, brave boy!! OMG, the Cuban Roll!
Great pic, Jay. Tell Santa Hi for all of us!

[sila]

omg cedar thank you so much for the pics
i had a poooooo day at work and they cheered me up xxxxxxxxx

[Cedarfarm]

HI SILA girl!!
You are very welcome! Somewhere I have a snow pic of vic pulling a sleigh, I will try to find it. :-D

[Binger]

Beautiful shots Cedar..a nd Jay- ask Gracie to come and join us- tell her we are all here and would love to hear from her!

[Binger]

That barn shot is great- bet it is full of hay- a great place to take a nap... or sip coffee.. or listen to Springsteen.. or paint the wall plaid.... or sing Dusty..... or do a paus du lux....

[JayIsh]

Whadyasay we clear out the barn and put on a show???

I'll contact Gracie...I think it's my turn to call her anyway...She was having computer problems the last time I spoke to her...Hopefully they are cleared up...

By the way Binger...I laughed out loud when you wrote, "oughta my way Santa"

jay

[Crown 84]

Beautiful, Cedar!
The barn photo would look great on a calendar for a winter scene - or as a computer wallpaper!
You have an artistic eye, my friend!

[Cedarfarm]

Crown!!
So glad you liked them...wondered where you were. Thanks!

Thanks also to Binger!

[Binger]

Or it would look awesome on a coffee cup-- the steam rolling off the black java... percolating into the air... omg... art.. on coffee... ohhhhh ohhhhhh ohhhhhh

[Binger]

I amlistening to Vince Guaraldi right now... theme from a Charlie Brown Christmas.. God he was gifted... what a tragic loss.. died young from drugs- was immersed into the drug scene of San Francisco...

[sila]

:celebrate:morning xxxx

[Crown 84]

A specially decorated coffee mug simply MUST appear in your next opera chapter, Bing my beanie friend!

SEASON DAY 15 (Can we be over 2 weeks into the Season already??)
Days to Christmas Day: 28 (Four weeks from today!)

Well, it's been a damp few days, but we needed the rain.
The temp is now in the mid 60's but it's supposed to drop to 34 tonight - a chilly change!
And the leaves!! Everywhere! You can barely see the pavement. I'm begining to forget what color my car is.
The worst are the willow oak leaves - those little tiny, narrow ones that get down into every nook and cranny.
And they take over 2 months to finish falling, to boot!

Be that as it may, have a Terrific Tuesday, one and all!

[Cedarfarm]

My "Beanie" Friend, I like that!!

~Good Morning Friends!~

What a difference a day makes...(wasn't that a classic song title?) We got quite a snowstorm yesterday, big giant flakes kept falling most of the day. Today...bright sun!

Listening to Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride"...love that tune! On the Sirus Pop Christmas station.

[Crown 84]

That one gets me in the Christmas mood every time, Cedar!

[sila]

oooh i got my first card today xxx

[Cedarfarm]

Hi Sila! Got your first card? Cool!

Crownster, you would LOVE this Sirius 'Classical Pops Favorite's' station I currently listen to...ALL Christmas..I just heard "Good Swing Wenceslas" by the Boston Pops. Digging it! You would too, I just know!

[RadioJonD]

Good day friends! How about a non-traditional interlude?

(Sixth tune down) - Rocki Lane and the Gross Group - Happy Hairy Hippy Harry Claus (2:31) - http://blog.wfmu.org/freeform/2007/11/365-days-331--.html

[Cedarfarm]

~Ohhhhhhhhhhhh no Radio, no...no...no!!! LOL!

That song by "The New Christy Minstrels"...the 'Hey Jude/Alantis combo?....SO. SO wrong! The worst song I've ever heard! ~Hey, Thanks for that!

[Binger]

Beanie friend? makes me sound like a soft cuddly thing yiou buy at a gas station.. and the only thing one should buy at a gas station is that deep rich dark java that is sold!

YABBA!

[Binger]

Hey Jay-any word on Gracie joining us? Anyone else remember her from Christmas.Com? I think she and Jay had something going on....

[JayIsh]

Gracie and I met on one hot, stormy August night...Jingle Bell rock was playing on the juke box in the only joint in town...We danced...cheek to cheek...for hours...replaying the song over and over again...Then we ran into the corn field, our clothes soaked with rain, Bruce Springsteen's "Mansion on the Hill" blaring from the radio of the semi barreling down the interstate that runs along the field...We walked, hand in hand through the puddles that quickly became mud, alive for the very first time in our lives...

Nah...We've never met...Almost once, during the planned Christmas.com meeting at Bronners, but that sort of fizzled...I even bought a plane ticket for it...Oh well...I'll tell her to join us!!!

[Cedarfarm]

Of course I remember Gracie! I hope she can stop in and say hi! There are alot of the Christmas.com family members missing...I still miss that place; the first forum I ever joined and stuck with. ~Alot of these people are on other Christmas forums, I'll always remember Christmas.com with the fondest of memories, we had quite the community.

[Maureen]

...........wait up........wait for me.................*puff....*pant.......sorry I'm late. My car has very inconveniently and VERY expensively conked out (doesn't it know Christmas is 4 weeks today?!) and I've had to run.

Just wanted to say how fantastic your pictures are, Cedar and I'm totally up for a Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland moment in your barn (the horse can chaperone and hopefully sing harmony!)

[sila]

morning xxxxxxxxxxxx

[snowangel77]

Good Morning Christmas Fans!

December is but a few days away, and Christmas is a day closer. I'm starting to really get that 'festive feeling'! :razz:

I'm going to a Christmas fayre straight from work this evening. Apparently they have some real reindeer there! I'm taking my camera so will get some pics to post on the photo thread if possible.

Have a great day everyone!

[Cedarfarm]

A Hearty Hi Ho Ho Ho!

Maureen!! Here, grab my hand (as the sleigh goes by)...got it? C'mon...you can do it...Good girl!! She's in! Here's a blanket..some hot cider too. We'll take to the woods, then through the field to pick up Crown, Sila and Bing! (Jay is already in the sleigh!) ~Let's GO!!!

Wouldn't that be fun? All of us together having a winter party in the country...kitchen woodstove warming our hands...hot toddies...snowball fights...play "Find out where Crown is sleeping"...sleigh rides, ice skating, tree trimming...huge turkey cooking.
Sorry. I get carried away with my own fantasties.

[Cedarfarm]

~P.S. I wish I had known all of you when I was growing up!!!

[Crown 84]

Hmm.... Binger as the ultimate beanie baby. What an idea! A plush beanie holding a cup of coffee with Maxwell House written on their jersey.
Oh! If only I had the writing talent of our dear friend - I would have an operatic field day!

SEASON DAY 16
Days to Christmas Day: 27 (Less than 4 weeks away!)

Chilly this morning! Was glad I put a sheet over the old Crown Vic's windshield last night as there was frost.
Fifties for a high today. Seasonal.

I hope everyone remembered to watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" last night. I made a recording of all 3 of the Charlie Brown specials this year so they will always be available, just in case...
Tonight, don't miss the Christmas Tree lighting in Rockefeller center - another annual must see.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday / Happy Hump Day, guys.

[Cedarfarm]

Heeheehe

"Binger Baby"!

oooohhhh, the possibilities..the possibilities..wow

[Cedarfarm]

...OR..."Binger Beaner Baby"!! Say it fast!

don't blame me, I'm already on my 4th cup this morning...

[Crown 84]

It's too early in the morning for tougue twisters, Cedar!

[Maureen]

Should that not be "Binger Beanie Baby Bumpers"?!

:cry:

[sila]

evening you crazy lot!!!!!

[RadioJonD]

Good Afternoon Christmas Cats & Kittens!

For those who don't venture much past the MMC living room, I would like to remind you of the music room! - http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=99

I mention it here because there are some audio sources that post Christmas music for a limited time. Check the threads Podsafe Christmas & FaLaLaLaLa Open For Bidness! to find some old lps from your childhood that haven't been re-issued to CD. Captain Kangaroo, Kukla, Fran & Ollie, and even The Six Million Dollar Man are waiting! Don't forget to follow all the links on the sites.

You are warned to have plenty of hard drive space! Once you start, you won't be able to stop! Load up now before "Your Official Holiday Christmas Station" pulls the Yule plug leaving you high, dry, with a tear in your eye!

[Maureen]

Now THERE'S a blast from the past!!! I'd completely forgotten about Kukla, Fran and Ollie until you mentioned that. Wow, all those films from other lands..!!!!

[Binger]

I remember that fizzled Bronner's trip Jay- I was ready to click and purchase a ticket and then atthe last second held out and was glad I did- still- would be nice if we could all hang out at the Cedarfarm and try to find Crown sleeping under a haystack.....

[Binger]

BTW_ I am not a Beannie Baby- I am not not not.....hmmm Opera..must write Opera...

[Binger]

Crown- the loghting of tree in Rockefeller center ahs TANKED the past couple of years- I rememebr us panning it as one of the worst shows ever - Brian Wilson was on it and looked even more stoned than he usually is....it will be interesting to see what they do this year-

[Binger]

hmm make that lighting.... ahhh the shispering pines.. the fired twinkies.... the loghting of the tree- ahhhhhhhhhhh

[JayIsh]

I'm sure it'll be an exciting show...Wayne Newton singing Jingle Bell Rot, maybe a reading of The Night Before Christmas by Burt Reynolds...Perhaps some syncronized swimming by two bulgarians, and maybe if we are lucky, we'll get to see the big Davey and Goliath reunion show, I hear Davey's just gotten out of Betty Ford...And...You know...Anything with Jessica Simpson involved has GOT to be good...

I hate to say it but I watch this show every year and have been there for it a couple of times...It's so strange...there are so many people that go, it gets really crowded and then when the countdown starts to get from ten to one, people start leaving and watching the lighting over their shoulders...It's hilarious...I went one year and then we went to a TGI Fridays and spent fifteen dollars on a hamburger...FIFTEEN DOLLARS!!! Then we read, about a week later, where there were two menus being passed around that night...One, for "regulars" had the usual fare at the usual prices and the other was for "tourists" which had prices roughly twice the usual...We got taken, but good...I'm sure they got some slap on the wrist for that...Afterall, we saw the price and ordered anyway...It was our own faults...but sheesh!!!

That's New York for ya...

jay

[Cedarfarm]

OMG. Davey & GOliath...I remember watching those claytoons as a kid on Sunday mornings....stuffing myself with Trix cereal WITH sugar (was always a MOUND of sugar left in the bowl). Didn't Davey have a kid sister that bugged him, named Sally? She had a blonde page-boy haircut.

[JayIsh]

That was her!!! I believe it couold be said that they were the pre-cursors to the much more sucessful Mr. Bill!!!

[Cedarfarm]

~it bothered me that Goliath's eyes were crooked.

[JayIsh]

That Davey...He had feet of clay...Badumpbump...

[Crown 84]

I remember Davey an Goliath too, Cedar!
Sounds like we had a similar childhood.
Do you remember "Supercar"?
(Loved that sad song they played called "Maria")

[Maureen]

Davey and Goliath......davey and goliath...............WAIT........is that a little boy and a dog:-o

Whoa - you're really dusting off the cobwebs here; I'd forgotten (but if I've got them wrong then I really have forgotten or never knew in the first place!!)

[RadioJonD]

Oddly enough, Davey & Goliath have their own website - http://www.daveyandgoliath.org/ One can order DVDs of the series.

I doubt that many TV stations still air Davey & Goliath unless a sponsor is paying a lot of money. The show would be offensive to a very vocal minority since it is based on wholesome family values as presented by a Christian Religious Organization. We just can't have that!

[JayIsh]

Perhaps if Davey were armed and Goliath a pit bull...And maybe Davey's a card carrying member of a gang of some sort...

There actually was a Davey and Goliath Christmas special fairly recently...It held to it's original message and while I found it different than the original shows, it was still a real blast of nostalgia...Davey was snow boarding...By the way...I'm watching the Christmas in Rockefeller Center show...It is as we thought it would be...

[Cedarfarm]

OMG...Jay, it's worst than last year. Who is this gigantic rapper with droopy jeans? Why can't they get ANYBODY other than Nick La-what'shis name? ~Boy, let's light the tree and get it over with...at least I know my buds are watching at the same time and laughing.....

[sila]

morning xxxxxx

[Crown 84]

SEASON DAY 17
Days to Christmas Day: 26

Well, training class all day so I gotta run!

Have a Thrilling Thursday, fellow Christmas Comrades!

[Cedarfarm]

Have a good one Crownster!

[Cedarfarm]

~This morning after listening to Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky, I did some research and came up with this picture of the first ballet in Petersburg, 1892! Amazing.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/chicks_/375px-Nutcracker_cast.jpg

[clarebear]

It snowed a wee bit here this morning! :hi:
Hope everyones ok! xx

[sila]

awwwwwwwwww thats sweet claire
and great pic cedar xxxxxxxxxx

[Binger]

That show last night was the worst one yet! Geez - Tony Bennett looked like he was freezing to death and Celine Dion couldn't even lip synch! That show stinks worse every year

[Binger]

HEY- IDEA FOR 2008! let's all meet here during the Rockefeller tree show and make comments through it all......... then vote as to which perforamnce stunk the most!

[Binger]

Cedar- is that Jay in that picture with the pointy hat waiting to Paus Du Lux?

[Binger]

And Crown alseep under the tree.....?

[Crown 84]

Well, the Rockefeller show wasn't the best but I actually thought it was a bit better than last year.
The first singer (can't recall his name - Groban or Grogan, something like that) was pretty good. One or 2 of the others were OK. (The rock songs I just muted!)

Tony Bennett I felt sorry for. His voice is about gone.
Felt he was great in his day and I still enjoy seeing him for old time's sake but he really ought to retire to hosting duties.
Fred Astair was smart. When he realized his dancing ability was starting to slip, he retired on top rather than become a pathetic figure. Tony should take a lesson from him.

[miller4plusmore]

~This morning after listening to Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky, I did some research and came up with this picture of the first ballet in Petersburg, 1892! Amazing.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/chicks_/375px-Nutcracker_cast.jpg

That is an awesome picture! I love the Nutcracker--the music and the ballet. It's one of my favorites.
:razz:

[sila]

morning
st andrews day today

[Crown 84]

SEASON DAY 18
Days to Christmas Day: 25

Good Morning!

Can you believe it? December tomorrow!
Where has the year gone, guys?
Better get that Christmas shopping into high gear!

Chilly this morning, with the old mercury in the upper 30's. Should be a nice, walk-friendly 55-58 by this afternoon.

Well, this is our big weekend! Christmas tree hunting, poinsettia purchasing, house decorating!
We always do this the first weekend in December, a long-standing tradition.
The decorations will stay up until New Year's.

If you get the chance, snap some Christmas Seasonal photos for the Christmas Photos 2007 thread. I have a few more I plan to post. The more the Merrier!

Well, I hope everyone has a Fabulous Friday and a Wonderous Weekend!

[Cedarfarm]

~Good FRIDAY Morning, dear friends!~

Sounds like a very busy, fun week-end Crownster! Same thing here, "seriously" decorate the first week-end of December...I've had the big (10') tree for a week now, laying outside. Decorating begins tonight! Can't wait to have that aromatic beauty in the house.

Hey Bing, LOVE your idea! Let's all get together next year during the Rockefeller show....great idea!...a new tradition!

Hi Miller! I love the Nutcracker also...to me, that is as much a part of Christmas as the tree is.

Crown...I agree with you, poor Tony Bennett should hang it up...or not sing, (actually it sounds more like croaking now) just be a loveable guest on all the talk shows. He seems so very likeable, doesn't he? Always smiling.

[Crown 84]

Yes, I've always liked Tony.

Liked all of the old-time crooners: Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra.
That golden age is passing away. Only Tony and Andy Williams are still with us.
And I have not seen Andy on TV in many years. He does still perfom in Branson, I believe.

[sila]

evening you lovely lot xxxxxxxxx

[JayIsh]

I love the crooners...Back in 1981 I was a college student at a small school near Atlantic City...A good friend of mine was a stagehand at The Golden Nugget Casino. He got us in to see Frank Sinatra...Of course we watched from the sound booth but I was so in awe of being in the room with Mr. Sinatra that I was able to overlook the fact that his voice had faded...He was a little surly too...But he was a superstar...I was just in complete awe...He walked by us after the show, up a hallway that ran alongside the sound booth...there were always these stories that people were told never to talk to him, not make eye contact...He walked up the hall and nodded and smiled at us as he was escorted by...there was none of that pretense that I've read about...It was a golden moment...You know Frank Sinatra saved my life once...He said "Ok boys...that's enough..."

badumpbump...

jay

[Crown 84]

Nice story, Jay.

The closest I ever came to a "Christmas icon" performer was when a friend of mine got me Burl Ives' autograph many years ago. I still have it in a drawer somewhere.

[JayIsh]

You know Crown, our own Auntie Mistletoe and her family were actually friends with Burl Ives and his wife! I forget how they met but she told me that he was the nicest of men, very warm and cordial, just as you'd expect him to be...Hopefully she'll read this and write the whole story!!!

I have the tendency to forget that these folks are men and woman just like you and me and that they are flawed and fallible just like we are...I tend to raise them up to almost mythic status...The few celebrities that I've met in my day have proven to me that they can be very warm and very friendly...or not...But they are real people...With real problems and real successes and failures...I get very nervous at even the thought of meeting some of my idols...

[slgslg02]

merry christmas all

[Binger]

Yeah- I know Jay- once I waited on Natalie Schaefer- and sold her a pair of shoes ( she played Lovey Howell on Gilligan's Island..)- she was so sweet and had clean feet!

[Binger]

Didn't Burl Ives become a snowman and tell the story about some reindeer and then go on and on about "silver and gold...?"

[RadioJonD]

I have the tendency to forget that these folks are men and woman just like you and me and that they are flawed and fallible just like we are...I tend to raise them up to almost mythic status...The few celebrities that I've met in my day have proven to me that they can be very warm and very friendly...or not...But they are real people...With real problems and real successes and failures...I get very nervous at even the thought of meeting some of my idols...

That's how I feel about you folks!

[clarebear]

I'm Putting My Tree And Decorations Up Today!!! Woohoo!! :razz: :merry:
ALSO I HAVE THE WEEKEND OFF!! YEAH!

[RadioJonD]

Didn't Burl Ives become a snowman and tell the story about some reindeer and then go on and on about "silver and gold...?"

I thought that was Al Gore.

[sila]

awwwwwwwww have fun clare!!!!!
i cant believe its december!!

[clarebear]

Thank you sila! :hi:
I know November flew by!!

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

You know Crown, our own Auntie Mistletoe and her family were actually friends with Burl Ives and his wife! I forget how they met but she told me that he was the nicest of men, very warm and cordial, just as you'd expect him to be...Hopefully she'll read this and write the whole story!!!

:)& Enter Auntie Mistletoe . . .

It was one of my brother's who formed a fan club for Burl back in the early 80's who was closest to Burl and Dorothy.
Dorothy Ives gave me a coffee table book with sketches and oil paintings inside and wrote a little note in it.
For several Christams Eve's in a row, my brother would phone Burl and his wife and the guests who had gathered at my parent's party would sing a few carols to them over the phone.
The last time we called them, my mother and I had the privilage of listening to Burl tell the story of the Toy at the Bottom of the Stocking. His voice sounded quite a bit like Sam the snowman. Dorothy's voice was that sweet grandmotherly-type voice.
The last time we chatted and sang with them my brother got a little emotional. Burl was ill by then and that spring, on my brother's Birthday, Burl passed away. I wrote a letter to Dorothy after Burl passed.

My brother has a tattoo on his shoulder of Burl Ive's face. He squeezes it and makes the mouth move while he sings "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas".

I'd never do anything with it, but we still have a recording of our last phone call with Burl.

Of course, our introduction to Burl came by way of children's music. He continued to entertain us and really was a wonderful person.

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

:dance: Hi Christmas Lovers! Winter has struck our city. Yup - the snow continues followed by rain and more snow and the cold temps are here too.

Listen ~ can you hear the trucks backing up and scraping the ground while they clear out the parking lot at Wal-Mart?

Tomorrow our local Wal-Mart joins several others in 24-hour openings until Dec. 24th when it will close at 5 pm.

I'm not planning on shopping at midnight.

[Maureen]

Hey, hey, hey people - MERRY DECEMBER TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU!!! Only 20 more online shopping days until Christmas!!

Swinging downtown Blairgowrie is currently 40* F and raining; which somehow makes it colder. The town lights get switched on this afternoon and the technical rehearsal for our local pantomime (Aladdin) starts at 2pm. I am in charge of props and have spent the past week spray painting Chinese takeaway boxes silver and gold to be jewel carriers. I even cleverly (says she modestly) made a snake out of an old "RAINBOW ON TOUR 1981" scarf - well, I was told loud and colourful; does it get better than that?! I've probably wrecked a collector's piece but one must suffer for one's art!!

Not nearly as good as the ballet, Cedar but hey, we've a hundred or so years to get it right!! By the way, thanks for the lift the other night on the sleigh - that hot cider really hit the spot. What do you say we all come over to my house after the neighbourhood carol singing (the guitar IS tuned this year) and we'll have hot coffee and hot chocolate with danishes and donuts and warm up before we go skating??

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, all!

SEASON DAY 19
Days to Christmas Day: 24
I hope everyone is enjoying his/her Season as we draw ever closer to the big day!

A frosty morning here. The temp was 32 when I got up about an hour and a half ago and it hasn't gone up a degree since. Will make for a seasonal trip out Christmas Tree shopping this morning.

Which reminds me, I had better get moving!

Have a Stupendous Saturday, friends!

(Auntie, if you get the time, we would love to hear about your experiences with Burl Ives)

[sila]

grrrrrrrrrrrrr postman put a you were out card through the door when i was in
didnt even knock
ill have to go pick it up on monday now!!!!

[Cedarfarm]

RadioJon!!! Thanks for the laugh this morning! (but, I'm pretty sure Al Gore invented the computer...)

Hi SILA girl!

Hope everyone has a wonderful December 1st day!!! Have fun finding that special tree or shopping or just gazing at your tree...or whatever! YABBA!

Have to run now, supposed to be getting a big snowstorm starting at noon. If you don't hear from me, I'll be buried under 3 down blankets with steaming hot coffee..sitting next to my tree!

[Cedarfarm]

HEY!

Hi Maureen! I just read your post and I just LOVE hearing those Scottish names...Blairgowrie! I'm Scottish..always wanted to visit...maybe I'll hitch up the Morgans and drive over...anything for a hot cup of Joe..those Scottish scones...those pubs!!

Hello there AuntieMae! Hi ClareBear...Hi to all!

Can't wait to hear about the special tree Crown! Put some Burl Ives on and do the jiggy-pudding.

[devOn]

I'm hopefully going to be on this as much as I can now that Christmas is a good 25 days away. Happy December 1st!

[Binger]

Did you say under a blanketw iths ome coffee? Hmmmm Hmmmm Hmmmmm YABBA!

[Binger]

It was Al Gore radio- it was... I forgot- right after he invented the internet and global warming.... hey Crown- let us know how tree shopping went- don't fall asleep in the pine needles....

YABBA!

[sila]

yipeeeeeeeeee
got all the pressies wrapped

[devOn]

I'm stuck home all day with a sprained ankle but good news.

It Snowed! Not too much but it still snowed. Supposed to get loads of it soon

[clarebear]

Hello everyone!! :hi:

[sila]

hi all
poor you devon xxxxxxxxxxxx

[devOn]

Thanks silla. Just hoping it gets better really soon.

23 Days till Christmas.

Any good Christmas Shows on tonight?

[Crown 84]

A sprained ankle is no fun, especially at this time of the year, Devon. (I know because I sprained mine on Christmas Eve 2004!)

SEASON DAY 20
Days to Christmas Day: 23.

Good Morning everyone!
The sun is shining (well, actually it's cloudy with a chance of rain), the birds are singing (if only in my dreams).
But hey! It's important to keep a positive attitude this time of the year, isn't it!

We did have a great trip out hunting Christmas trees, yesterday.
We always get a frasier fir - it just SAYS Christmas to us, both in appearance and odor. There just is no other Christmas tree as far as we are concerned.
We got a smaller one this year than usual (6 feet instead of the normal 7) but it was just so perfectly shaped, we could not resist. (Cheaper, too!)

Well, off to my photos thread to post another pix or 2.
I hope to see you (and your pictures!) there.

Have a Super Sunday, everyone!

[Cedarfarm]

I'm still under the blankets...with hot java...where's Norfolk?

Good Morning! ~ We didn't get snow, but lots of freezing rain. It is raining right now, pouring...kinda miserable and gray, but the well-decorated Christmas tree brightens everything up! Ohhh that AROMA..elilxer of the Gods...almost as good as coffee.

Crown, I get Frasers too...sometimes Balsams, just depends on the shape. Below is a pic of the magnificent Fraser Firs in their natural habitat.
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/chicks_/pc36.jpg

[sila]

elf is on today onch4 5.45 x

[Binger]

God that picture is gorgeous....

[Binger]

Hey Crown... is the odor of the tree toxic and makes you wanna nap? Go ahead and do it.. YABBA! And Michigan... bring on the JAVA.... YABBA!!!!!!!

[Rennabelle]

Hi all, sorry its been a while, but I haven't forgotten any of you. I think about you and what I'm missing here not getting to read all the posts. I've been down since Black friday, I went shopping came home and went to bed and just got up. Long nap huh. lol Naw seriously I have broncitis and a bad case of it. They put me on super antiobiotics, steroids, vicodin, and albuterol. This is first day for me to get up and try to do anything. Boy am I weak. Think my coffee kept me going, had either french vanilla or peppermint mocha creamer for protein, lol.

Auntie, oh how jealous I am about Burl and wife being friends of yours. What I would have given to have known them. He was one of my all time favorites, along with John Wayne. I think I have all his Christmas tunes, some of his movies and a bunch of his reg tunes also. One of my very favorite is Pearly Shells.

I hope everyone is ready for Christmas, boy do I have a lot of making up to do. Have some decorating to do (inside and out) , about a quarter of my gift buying to do, grocery shopping also. Our truck light parade party is this saturday and I have to get things ready for that also. So much to do and so little time. but I do good under stress. hee hee

[sila]

awwwwwwwwww get well soon xxxxxx
and morning xxxxx

[devOn]

Hope you get better soon Rennebelle. I had bronchitis last year and it did stink. Had it a couple times actually. We will all be thinking about you.

[Crown 84]

Yes, get well soon, Renn. This no time of the year to feel sick!

SEASON DAY 21. (Gee! Three weeks into the Season!)
Days to Christmas Day: 22.

Good Morning.
A wet one last night and still damp this morning, although not cold (yet).
All those nasty little willow oak leaves are pasted all over my car. You would think driving at 45-50 would blow them off but no, about 75% stayed on all the way to work.
Oh well, we need the moisture.

(Yes, Binger, a hammock slung between the shispering fraser firs is a great way to sleep - as long as a coffee percolator nearby doesn't keep me awake)

Great photo, Cedar.

Cedar: Our calendar photo lady!
(Aren't we lucky - we have a playwright and master photographer in our midst!)

Have a Marvelous Monday, my Christmas friends!

[Cedarfarm]

~Brrrrrr!! Wind is blowing freezing rain pellets against the window next to the computer...brrrrr...more hot coffee please. Gulp. Ahhhh.

Renn! So good to hear from you my friend. Sorry you caught the nasty bug..our postmistress told me recently: "Everyone is sick!", so don't feel left out! Take it easy...drink lots of liquids..listen to Burl Ives...stare at the tree.

Oh my Crownster, thank you for the kudos...but I didn't take that photograph of the Fraser firs...wish I had, would have loved to have been there. I found that pic on the internet...googled "Fraser Firs" went to Images. That photo really got to me.

[Crown 84]

Cedar: Our master Googler!

[sila]

evening xx

[Binger]

Yes.. that gal can google a storm... hmmmm but I gurgle.. coffee..non-stop...

[Binger]

It is sow indy here.. makes me think of DARLENE LOVE..

" well the cold windis blowing and the streets are getting dark.. I'm writing you a letter and I don't know wher to start..... maybe I should start with Crown sleeping and the leaves are blowing on their car..."

[clarebear]

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE, I HOPE ALL IS WELL!! :razz:

[clarebear]

It is sow indy here.. makes me think of DARLENE LOVE..

" well the cold windis blowing and the streets are getting dark.. I'm writing you a letter and I don't know wher to start..... maybe I should start with Crown sleeping and the leaves are blowing on their car..."

I love that song i have it on my mp3 player with many other christmas songs!! :nice:

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

http://i10.tinypic.com/2a6ld3r.gif Greetings from the chilly North!

Good to see Renna and DevOn around - and all y'all bunch of Christmas chums a.k.a. wackos.

It's been cold and miserable lately. I'm sure those without snow would love it. School buses were cancelled, but the schools were open today. Windgusts up to 46 at one point - you'd think this city never saw snow before. The sidewalks and side roads weren't plowed over night and up until noon some people were having a difficult time getting to work.
Funny thing is now that Wal-Mart is open 24/7 until Dec. 24th, I could hear the snow plow clearing the parking lot throughout the night.

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

:whisper: Oh yeah, I have a new irk I want to share. Seems like a few folks at work are upset about all this Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas stuff.

:???: I just wanted to shake them and say "where have you been? This battle has been going on for years.
Well, I didn't shake anyone - I shook my head instead.

Had to go over to the mall with a gal from work to pick up gift wrap, etc. (we battled over Scotch tape vs. invisible) ... heard a little boy singing Jingle Bells, he was sooo cute ... anyway... we're getting set for our Christmas party for work, the Winter Wonderland theme is going to be accompanied by the lowest temps of the week and minimal chances of snow. Not to worry though, the snowbanks in some places are higher than the roof of many vehicles and some higher than a school bus. Oh yeah, winter is here.

Now if it will just get mild so I can build a snow sculpture, I'll be much happier.

[Cedarfarm]

Ho Ho Ho Auntie!!
So good to see you...a good chuckle is always had!

LOVE that Darlene Bingster, LOVE!

Crownster, I can google with the best of em! (but, the other photographs were mine!)

[sila]

morning
i have such a sore throat

[Crown 84]

I hope you are not catching something, Sila.

SEASON DAY 22.
Days to Christmas Day: 21 (Three weeks from today, guys!)

Auntie, I suspect that Wal-Mart had their own privately-hired snow removal service. They can certainly afford it!

And I am optimistic about the "war on Christmas". Have heard much less about it this year. Either the news media got all the copy they could out of the "controversy" (that they helped to manufacture) or the whole thing was never really an issue to begin with. I see the word "Christmas" much more in stores and merchandise this year with no mention of any complaints from anyone.

Binger, my coffee beenie friend!
Don't mention leaves and cars! It took me quite some time to pluck them all off. Kept me awake just thinking about it. Grrrrr!

Lots of wind last night kept the frost away. Upper 30's for the commute this morning. It's supposed to reach the low 50's by this afternoon.

Have a Terrific Tuesday, friends!

[Cedarfarm]

A quick drive-by Hi!

Sun is shining but the temperature won't get above 25 today! Gee SILA, hope you aren't getting sick, hopefully it's just the dry indoor air.

Crown, I had to put a sweater on BIX this morning..he is still trying to grow out his hair from his last beauty salon trip. I don't usually put clothing on my pets but he was so cold! ~Lucky FOX, has his long hair to keep him warm! I should take a pic of BIX with his sweater on, but it might embarrass him...lol.

Gotta get going today, a busy one....have a wonderful Tuesday my friends.

YABBA!BADDA!BINGSTER!

[Crown 84]

I should take a pic of BIX with his sweater on, but it might embarrass him...lol.
Sounds like Carl and his hump.

Oh, yes! Fox LOVES cold weather.
He has even been seen to lay down in the snow.
(I believe he thinks he's a Husky!)

[sweetmisery]

20 More Days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (12:06 am here in the Philippines)

[xmascrackers]

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love gave to me
another day at work and its customer Christmas Party

[sila]

evening xxxxxxxx
im losing my voice!

[Binger]

Ive got a great idea.. let's put a sweater on Crown and see if they get embarassed....( we could make it a big bird sweater...) ohhhhhh Opera... Opera... Opera... YABBA!!

[Binger]

Cedar sings in her best Darlene Love Voice an aria...
"Ohhhhh the cold wind is blowing and the streets are getting dark and Crown is wearing their big bird sweater and sleeping in the park...."" YABBA!!

[JayIsh]

You know guys...that song you are all humming was written by Little Steven Van Sant of the E Street Band and Sopranos fame, and many members of the band also play on it!!! One in particular...THE BIG MAN...CLARENCE CLEMMONS...

Just a little trivia...

[Crown 84]

Hmmm....
I'll bet Binger's greatest dream is to be a winning college football coach and have the players dump a barrel of coffee over their head.

[Maureen]

evening xxxxxxxx
im losing my voice!

I'm being perfectly serious here - don't talk. I thought I knew better 2 years ago and ended up off work with no voice for 3 months - not good when you talk for a living. Think of all those people I couldn't marry!! My family thought they'd died and gone to heaven!! The worst bit was it didn't hurt. I think if it had hurt, I might've shut up.......might've being the operative word!!

Hi everybody, by the way!! Two nights down on the panto; 4 more and a matinee to go. So far, Aladdin has missed his cue twice and only one flat has fallen down and just missed a camel by the skin of its hump.

Don't put your daughter on the stage, Mrs Worthington......

[Cedarfarm]

...And, All I want for Christmas...is you.
XOXOXOX

[sila]

ta maureen
i have lost my voice completely now
i dont know how ill manage the little darlings i work in a school xxxxxx

[clarebear]

Oh dear sila! hope you get it back soon love!

[snowangel77]

My local newsagents actually have easter eggs out on display! I saw them yesterday and couldn't quite believe my eyes. December should be all about Christmas, not Easter!

[clarebear]

My local newsagents actually have easter eggs out on display! I saw them yesterday and couldn't quite believe my eyes. December should be all about Christmas, not Easter!

Honest??? Now thats bonkers!! :lol:

[Crown 84]

Probably by Easter they will have Christmas merchandise out, Snowangel!

SEASON DAY 23.
Days to Christmas Day: 20 (Under 3 weeks, now!)

Good Morning.
Another cool 38 for the morning commute.
Low 50's by this afternoon.
A light sprinkle fell this morning. Fortunately, I got all the nasty little willow oak leaves off my car last night so they weren't plastered to the surface this morning.

We have a company sponsored dinner this evening for the holiday season at a nice local restaurant. The first time in many years.
We used to have such nice Christmas parties years ago - some with choirs, bell ringer, etc. Santa even showed up one year.
Sigh! I miss those days.

Well, have a Wonderful Wednesday / Happy Hump Day, everyone!

Keep that Christmas song on your lips and the spirit of Christmas in your heart always.

[sila]

came home early from work
im sure ill be better soon thanks xxxxxx

[Binger]

ohhh nobody ought to be all alone at Christmas..........

God do I love Darlene Love.........

[Binger]

Crown- that would be wonderful... a gallon of coffee for winning the National Championship....



ohhhhhhhhhhhh the cold wind is blowing and the streets are getting dark.. I'm writing you a letter and I don't know where to start.........hmmm maybe with the fact that Crown is asleep and jay is dancing in the park... and Cedar is singing her best aria.... and Maureen is determined to plaid the world....

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

You know guys...that song you are all humming was written by Little Steven Van Sant of the E Street Band and Sopranos fame, and many members of the band also play on it!!! One in particular...THE BIG MAN...CLARENCE CLEMMONS...

Just a little trivia...

:thumbsup: You're right about that, Jay - of course you know the Boss and you know his crew.

Recently my husband and I watched the DVD of the concert in Barcelona and when Little Steven walked out, I kept thinking "hey I know that guy". It took my four songs to place where I knew him from. The look on his face like he's keeping a big secret "gave him away". He played Silvio Dante a hitman.

:playing: Still cold here, a bit more snow - and yes, Crown I imagine the Mall has someone doing a steady job over there.

I lost my voice once Sila. I tried to hit that note in Silent Night - you know "sleep in heavenly - peace" and I never found it again. HaHa. A little holiday music humour for you.

[RadioJonD]

Little Steven has a killer Christmas show on the Underground Garage too! Check for a station near you or find an archive at www.littlestevensundergroundgarage.com Those of you with Dish Network can check it out on 6025.

Check this from the music room closet - http://mymerrychristmas.com/forum/showpost.php?p=33969&postcount=10

Remember, there's more than just these two. From the website:

Episode 142: Christmas A Go-Go
I know what you're thinking. It's not that cold out. People are confused, a little depressed, nobody's making any money. Where's the love? Where's the Christmas Spirit? Well look no further baby, help is on the way. It's the Underground Garage Christmas A Go-Go show. That's right. We are live in Rochester, New York for the Chesterfield Kings Annual Christmas Extravaganza this year featuring the Cynics, the Charms, and Rainy Day Saints. We got so many Christmas songs and so much Christmas spirit, we are doing two Christmas shows this year. That's right. Helping us get into the holiday mood will be Social Distortion, the Dickies, Cheap Trick, and Slade. We got the Kinks, Roy Wood, Brian Setzer, and the Ronettes. Find out what Ringo Starr, Rufus Thomas, Louis Prima and Darlene Love have in common. You can't find the Christmas Spirit? Don't worry about a thing. We got more then enough to go around. Join us this week. It's Christmas A Go-Go in the Underground Garage. ~Little Steven~

Episode 143: X-MAS ’04
This is it. This is your last chance to get into the holiday spirit, baby. But don't worry. We're here to help. We're going to keep Christmas rocking all weekend in the Underground Garage. We got Ramones, Sonics, Wailers, no, not that Wailers, the other Wailers, and Keith Richards. We got obscure Beatles fan club stuff, new music from the Charms, and the Cocktail Slippers. Find out what Kris Kringle, the one-eyed demon god Odin, Joe Pesci, Soupy Sales, Darlene Love, and Edd "Kookie" Byrnes have in common. That's right. It's Christmas, Christmas all weekend in the Underground Garage. ~Little Steven~

[sila]

morning all xxxxxxxx

[Crown 84]

SEASON DAY 24.
Days to Christmas Day: 19

A good, frosty morning to one and all!
There was ice on my car this morning, fastening all those nasty little willow oak leaves in place that fell on the car overnight. Will have to wait for the thaw later this morning to get them off.

Nice company dinner last night.
Tasty food and a good time was had by all.
They had a live jazz band and Christmas decorations.
It doesn't get much better than that!

Well, we are getting down to the home stretch to Christmas, folks. Better rush that shopping to completion!

Have a Thrilling Thursday, fellow Christmas Comrades!

[sila]

evening xmas friends xxxxxxxxx

[kelly ann]

evening Sila. Have you finished your xmas shopping yet??:snowball:

[slgslg02]

Merry chlristmas all

[sila]

i have kelly
how about you? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
morning xxx

[Crown 84]

SEASON DAY 25.
Days to Christmas Day: 18
Time's slipping away. Wow, look at it go.
How fast this year went!

A damp good morning to one and all.

There was no precipitation predicted on the news last night but this morning there was sleet that took many motorists by surprise and we have a number of accidents in the Raleigh area. Fortunately, I live very close to my office and can get up later so I heard the reports on the radio and was prepared.
You never can tell around here!

Well, a nice weekend is shaping up.
I got my father's place all decorated last weekend.
Tomorrow, I'll get the yard raked and cleaned so everything will look nice for Christmas.

Have a Fabulous Friday and a Wonderous Weekend, guys!

[sila]

evening again xxxxxx

[RadioJonD]

Lest we (US) forget! - http://www.snopes.com/photos/military/wreaths.asp

[Binger]

cold here- then warm.. now kinda chilly- good coffee weather...... off I go...

[Binger]

Nice one radio- Iwas just there yesterday- at a funeral for a friend's father from collegee- very very emotional- wasn't prepared for it.

[Cedarfarm]

Hello Friends...
Sorry...I've been under the weather lately. Meant to stop by and wish you glad tidings! I think of you all the time..always.

My gosh, look at the time fly...almost day zero! Christmas EVE!!!! (That is THE DAY to me) ~You are my life-line. Thank you for being here.

~And Bing, I'm so sorry for your friend's loss.

[clarebear]

Nice one radio- Iwas just there yesterday- at a funeral for a friend's father from collegee- very very emotional- wasn't prepared for it.

Sorry about your friends father, merry christmas.

[sila]

sorry to hear that binger you take care xxxxxx
hope you feel better too cedar im looking forward to xmas eve too xxxxx

my sinuses are worse today my whole head is aching especially my teeth

[kelly ann]

16 days to go!!! wahey!!!, i better get planning my christmas eve party!!!

[sila]

16 days to go!!! wahey!!!, i better get planning my christmas eve party!!!

sounds fun kelly ann xx

[Crown 84]

I hope you feel better soon, Cedar.
The holidays are not time to feel sick!

SEASON DAY 26.
Days to Christmas Day: 17

Sunny but chilly here in Raleigh at this hour.
The temp stands at 46. We are supposed to reach the mid 60's by this afternoon - good leaf raking weather!

My father, sister and I ate out last night then did some Chirstmas shopping. It was a nice outing.

I hope everyone's weekend is off to a great start.
Have a Stupendous Saturday!

[Jeff Westover]

at least 8 inches of snow here this morning...

[Binger]

Warm here also Crown- good time to take a nap... hey Michigan gal pal- sing sing sing- it makes you feel better,......... Put on Darlene Love....

[Binger]

Hey Crown- I was up at 6:35,... no time to sleep busy busy busy.. what about you? snicker snicker...
YABBA

[RadioJonD]

Binger, is this person kin to you? - http://katry.blogspot.com/

[Maureen]

And so the curtain falls on the 2007 Blairgowrie Players pantomime Aladdin. All the little jewel carriers have vacated their dressing rooms, trailing chip bags and candy wrappers in their wake, the water pistols (always a necessity in deepest darkest Arabia) have been emptied and replaced in their holsters and the dame's false boobs have been rehung in the wardrobe department (well, they're not there so I'm ASSUMING that's where they've gone!!)

I can now resume my ongoing mission of bedecking the world in plaid (it's the new black, dontcha know?! 500,00 lumberjacks and all those pipe bands can't be wrong )

Binger - sorry to hear about your friend's dad. My condolences.

Cedar - double up on the caffeine intake and call me in the morning. It may help and if not, the headache received from bouncing off the ceiling will take your mind off everything else!

Sila - how're you feeling? Got your voice back?

Tomorrow, I will mostly be taking a deep breath and starting to panic about my lack of Christmas organisation, dusting off the Christmas cards to be written and sending the child labour up the chimney (sorry, attic) to get the decorations..........

And so it begins........

I'm glad to be back!!!:???:

[kelly ann]

That made me laugh maureen!!! welcome back.

[Crown 84]

Hey Crown- I was up at 6:35,... no time to sleep busy busy busy.. what about you? snicker snicker...
YABBA
Actually, I will have you know I was up at 6:45, so you only got me by 10 minutes.
(Of course, you won the coffee war, 20 gallons to 0.)

[sila]

heh heh hi maureen
im a tad better ta i can chat on here anyways!!!!!

morning to all my festive forum friends
i have actually finished my shopping!!!!
just the food to organise now

[sila]

That made me laugh maureen!!! welcome back.

mwaaah x

[Crown 84]

Hmmm... Other than Sila (who we can always count on!) there hasn't been much activity this morning.
Everyone sleeping late?
Overdosed on coffee?
Soaking feet sore from too much dancing?
Too many fired twinkies under the shispering Christmas trees?

Regardless, our count moves ever onward:
SEASON DAY 27.
Days to Christmas Day: 16 (Not much over 2 weeks, now)

Got in some good raking yesterday with the temp about 70.
It's supposed to be a bit cooler today.
We are at 55 here in Raleigh at this hour.

Was out at Crabtree yesterday to hear one of the many Christmas presentations they have out there.
This group consisted of 4-5 singers and they were really very good - American Idol caliber, especially on the solos. I just wish the accoustics were better!
(And yes, the word "CHRISTMAS" appeared many times without editing. I think the "war on Christmas" was won by the pro-Christmas side!)

Have a Super Sunday, everyone, and rest up to move into the next-to-the-last full week before Christmas Day!

[sila]

it has been a tad quiet crown!!!!

[kelly ann]

I was on the forums one day last week and i must've been the only one here!! I forgot about the time difference in other countries, lol!!! I was like...''what? Has everyone moved to another forum or something??!!!!'' I was talking to myself all morning, he he.

[Cedarfarm]

Have NO Fear!

Cedar is here! "Fir" Better or Worse...Good Morning! Thanks for the well-wishes. (I just fell from the ceiling Maureen, wow...strong stuff!)

Yabba! I'm writing you a letter and don't know where to start...PLEASE come home for Christmas...please. please. please....PLEASE!!! Ohhhhhh bells will be ringing, coffee will be brewing, plaid will be a-wearin', giant boobs a-swingin' (hehehee) PLEASE come home for Christmas...

YABBA!:grin:

[Cedarfarm]

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/chicks_/jude2.jpg

Found this gem in my Mom's old photo album yesterday. One happy girl on Christmas morning! (I still have that Raggedy Ann doll!) ~

[Binger]

OMG that is priceless.. better than coffee.. better than sleeping in till noon,...... or dancing a paus dul lux...... Ceadr- circa what year?

[Binger]

Crown- yeahh but I was up at 6:00AM not PM.... geezz.....

hey Maureen- my car s eat is ripped- please ( 0hhhhhhplease pleasse pleassee....c ome home this Christmas......)- PlEASE send me a nice red/green plaid to replace it..... come on get the fired twinkie out.. let's go....... YABBA!

[Maureen]

Binger.......puff............pant............okay - I've rounded up what I've got left in red/green plaid (if you'd given me more notice, I'd've left covering the Czech Republic until later but anyway..)

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Bridgemoose/PrinceCharlesEdwardStuart.jpg

OR

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l201/Bridgemoose/Menzies.jpg

Lemme know your thoughts ASAP before I move onto Estonia........

By the way Cedar - brilliant picture; do you have Andy as well??

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

:cry: Peek-a-snowy-boo, y'all.

Hey RJD, I have Little Steven's underground show bookmarked, guess I must have grabbed it before and forgot about it. Have it going on in the background now.

If I start now, I should be ready for Christmas 2008, so far I'm not sure about Christmas 2007.

Cedar love the photo - my cousin who lived with me had red hair and she was a huge Raggedy Ann and Andy fan, I had a few too, not sure, but they're probably in my parent's basement.


I have a little winter wonderland slideshow to share, just click on the link or image (whatever your screen shows you) and enjoy.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/AuntieMistletoe/WinterWonderland/th_WinterWonderland004400x300.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y273/AuntieMistletoe/WinterWonderland/?action=view&current=4446f4dd.pbw)

We had our Christmas Party for work lastnight and it was a huge success. The meal was great and beautifully presented, but the photos of the food didn't turn out - it was too dark, but I did get some pictures of the decor and mixed them in with our first snowfall in November and two surprises I got from a friend I've never met. Yule know what they are when you see them.

Gotta run, I'm never going to be ready for Christmas this year.

By the way, we're staying home and visiting the grandkids after Christmas instead so I'll be able to pop in to chat a bit on Christmas Eve or the wee hours of Christmas morning. Our other plan had us in a hotel for four nights and I'd have gone crazy. I wait all year and chat about it with my Christmas chums and I would feel empty if I couldn't be around.

Festive Cheers,
A. Mistletoe

[Binger]

hmmm ok ok- I like the bottom pattern- plus I'd like a real cushioned seat- see if Crown can give you a few of their pillows (they have dozens..) and then we can move on to covering Latvia.....

[Binger]

I think the little girl inthepicture should belt out a nice " Tomorrow.." tune for us.. or better yet- Darlene Love... Oohhhhhhhhhhhhhh Pleaseee come home this Christmas..

[sila]

morning you lot
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Crown 84]

SEASON DAY 28.
Days to Christmas Day: 15 (Two weeks from tomorrow!)

Good Morning.
Looks like it will be an unseasonably warm one here today with the temp into the mid to upper 70's.
Pleasant for walking but for the Christmas Season??

Looks like a busy day here at the office so I had better run!

Have a Marvelous Monday, one and all!

[Cedarfarm]

Good Morning Friends!

Ohhh Maureen!! DIG that plaid! Here is my surname clan tartan..and clan loyalty aside, I just adore all the plaids!! I LOVE Everything Scottish...YABBA!
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/chicks_/777.jpg

[Cedarfarm]

Hi Auntie!!!! Love your Winter Wonderland slideshow! Where on earth is that beautiful frozen waterfall? Lovely!

Glad to hear everyone had a good time at their company Christmas party. I have a Gala Extravaganza coming up this Saturday evening...I might wear this vintage cocktail dress from the 50's...tea length pink & black PLAID taffeta full skirt with black velvet top...or...I might not go...will decide at the last minute..it's usually fun, I dance alot. (after a couple G & T's..lol!)

Have a wonderful Monday if at all possible, don't eat too many office cookies and sweets and above all, stay in that Christmas spirit..this is the best part!

:wink:

[Cedarfarm]

~oh and Bingster...
Picture is circa...196-mumblemumblemumble! I know it is pre-Beatles so I'm guessing 1962.

[sila]

evening xxxxx

[Binger]

ok ok we now have competing plaids..... omggg guess we have to go to the tiebreaker.,,w hich is-- which one puts Crown to sleep first.. oh wait. theyre already asleep.. TIE>>>>>

[Binger]

I would say that is the best picture out of 1962 that ever existed... and also while I am at it.. Crown was asleep under their tree in 1962 at that precise moment...

[Maureen]

ok ok we now have competing plaids..... omggg guess we have to go to the tiebreaker.,,w hich is-- which one puts Crown to sleep first.. oh wait. theyre already asleep.. TIE>>>>>

Now you see, Burt Reynolds et al would've had more of a chance if it had been dueling plaids instead of those banjos

Ding da ding, dong, ding, dong, ding, dong ding................

[Cedarfarm]

Crownster?
Are you awake my dear friend? Where are you??

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

:lol: All this talk about plaids is making me think back to the Bay City Roller's days.

S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!


:-) Cedar that's Duchesnay Falls, running from the top of the mountain down to somewhat level ground (HWY leading out of town) and it pours out into a huge lake. Great hiking spot, especially in the Fall.

When I was little, I used to look out the living room window with my loyal dog, Ragmop, by my side. I'd drape my arm around her neck and say confidently, "one day, we're going to climb to the top of that mountain". It seemed so massive when I was little and so far away.

We did make it, but we got a drive there and back home.

********

Crown 54 where are you?

Oh sorry, that's Car 54.

Crown 83 (84) Where Are You? Having a peaceful doze, drifting off to some instrumental Christmas tunes perhaps . . .

[sila]

morning xxxxxxxxx
bay city rollers are reforming i read it yesterday

[Cedarfarm]

O-M-G! The Bay City Rollers!! Check out these GROOVY outfits...just a touch of plaid. Nick Lowe was in the group...they choose their name by throwing a dart at a map and it hit BAY CITY, Michigan!! (a great harbor town, quite a drive for me though.)
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b300/chicks_/baycityrollerscoverrgb.jpg

[JayIsh]

Hello guys and gals!!!

Just back from a fantasmic trip to the world of the mouse...Disneyworld...All decorated for Christmas...Songs in the air, treats for sale all over...and Mickey dressed in his holiday best...We had a blast and HATED to leave...No matter how much time I spend in the magical world it is never enough...

Hard to believe that in just two weeks the big day arrives...A VERY fast year, this one...And as usual, I missed my usual morning visit to this fabulous site and seeing what my cyber buds were up to!

Glad to see everyone is in the spirit and enjoying themselves...On a completely different note, and in some cases a disident one, Led Zep played last night...I'm hoping for a big tour...They broke up before I got to see them, I was a college freshman when their drummer died...But a trip to a Zep show might be just the thing if they decide to go further...No Christmas music there, that's for sure...But I like just about everything...I've shared this before but back in the mid eighties on one incredible weekend, I saw Judas Priest on a Friday night and Pavarotti on Sunday night...Pavarotti was MUCH better...I cried several times during his how...Wish I'd gotten the chance to see him again...

Have a wonderful day folks...And thanks!

jay

[Crown 84]

I would say that is the best picture out of 1962 that ever existed... and also while I am at it.. Crown was asleep under their tree in 1962 at that precise moment...
Like as not. I was 8 at Christmas 1962. Seems like a long time ago, and then again it doesn't, if that makes any sense.
I don't know about plaid making me sleepy but it sure does hide coffee spills.
(But wait, Binger NEVER spills coffee, do they? That would kind of be like the queen dropping her crown.)

SEASON DAY 29.
Days to Christmas Day: 14 (Two weeks from today!)

Good morning, fellow Christmas fiends.

Would you believe we are supposed to reach 80 degrees today? I grew up in Florida but even I think that's too warm for just 2 weeks before Christmas.
Not to worry, though. They say the high by Saturday will only be in the low to mid 50's.

Don't forget to watch "Christmas in Washington" tomorrow night (10:00 Eastern time) on TNT.
It's an annual tradition since Ronald Reagan was President. While I don't like all of the songs they select, the talent is usually good.

Well, have a Terrific Tuesday, my friends!
It's hard to believe we are already over 4 weeks into the Christmas Season and only 2 away from the big day!

[Cedarfarm]

JAY!!!
How the heck are ya?!!

[JayIsh]

I'm doing OK Cedar-Baby...A little tired, a little stressed, a little overwhelmed...But alive and kickin'!!!

How about you???

[Cedarfarm]

~Sitting here, 4th cup-o-joe....but my fingers are frozen! It is freezing rain, all the schools are closed..good day to stay in and stare at the Christmas tree! Unfortunately...I have to get around. Hopefully the county snow-plow-salt-trucks will do the roads soon....glad you are back Jayster!

:-D

[kelly ann]

Hi All

I woke up this morning to a winter wonderland of.....FROST!!! I think that's the closet im getting to my white christmas folks:(

:playing:

[Crown 84]

Snap us a picture and post it!

[kelly ann]

Hey Crown84

I would loved to had snapped a pic but its now 5.30 pm and it has all melted!!!!

Never mind, should have some more tomorrow, it's getting cold tonight again!

[Binger]

Cedar- Which one was Nick Lowe..?

S_A_T_U_R_D_A_Y NIGHT.........

[Binger]

Spilling cofefee? NEVER... That would be like skipping a nap that was pre-arranged......hey JAYSTER........ rock on bro.. ohhh Cedar.. start singing some Darlene love..... and Maureen- stop considering plaid....

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

Cedar- Which one was Nick Lowe..?

S_A_T_U_R_D_A_Y NIGHT.........

:hello: I think he's the one with the blonde shaggy hair.

I was listening to Bay City Rollers, Leo Sayer and a few others and then BAM - almost overnight I was listening to David Bowie, Max Webster and The Sex Pistols.

:cry:Shhh don't tell anybody, it will be our little secret.

[AuntieMistletoeDear]

:!! Just my luck if that was my "candid moment" on the front page of My Merry Christmas - Yikes! Better toss my name into the festive hat again just to be safe. HaHa.




:-x Good to see you back, Jay! I love DisneyWorld. DisneyLand was okay too, but DisneyWorld will always be special.

I got my arm stuck in the door of the monorail heading back to the Polynesian Hotel. I thought it was going to break in two so I screamed, but magically the doors opened and it didn't hurt at all. Advance screaming wasn't necessary.

Last time I was there they were still constructing the Epcott Center.

[clarebear]

Morning all, i hope you all have a great day!....think christmas!! :razz:

[sweetmisery]

13 Days Before Christmas! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[sila]

morning nativity today !!!!

[kelly ann]

Morning everyone, sadly no frost today nor snow:( Sun is shining thankfully after all the rain we've had.

how are you all?

[Maureen]

****BAY CITY ROLLER GEEK ALERT****

I'm afraid that I can tell you that the shaggy haired blond one was called Derek Longmuir. He and his brother Alan started the group and he was the drummer. Alan was "the quiet one" and was the first to leave, thus creating a veritable progression of wannabees. Alan now has a hotel in Dollar, Scotland and Derek is languishing (not sure if he's still there or not) in prison for offences against boys. Prior to that, he was a nurse.

I can do a brief synopsis on each original band member if you're interested, even down to their individual plaids!!!:???:


I'll leave quietly........!!!!!

[Crown 84]

Good Morning, all!

Willow leaves, willow leaves! Cleaned every one off my car yesterday evening and this morning, it was TOTALLY covered again. Naturally, they were attached by the morning dew. --Sigh!-- One of these days, I vow to have a garage!

SEASON DAY 30.
Days to Christmas Day: 13 (Under 2 weeks, now!)

Don't forget, "Christmas in Washington" tonight.
Hopefully, there will be at least a few true Christmas songs!

I was running through some of my old VHS tapes last night and found one with no label. Popped it in to see what was on it, and it turned out to be the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Christmas show that was on PBS last year. Watched the whole thing and enjoyed the program all over again!
It will be on again this year some time next week, I believe. Well worth the watch!

Have a Wonderful Wednesday / Happy Hump Day, everyone!

[morelia92]

Hi everyone..

I am thinking Christmas...I love this season of the year but I am not feeling so Christmassy and not sure why. It is SO not me.
I am wondering if work (we had been slammed) and volunteering as a kettle driver kinda ran me down a tad.
I need to bake (doesn't seem like Christmas if I don't) and although I am not a materialistic person.... I haven't done ANY shopping.

We have done quite a few things though!

-actually sat down and watched some holiday movies, DH and I
-Christmas Parade
-Went to get the tree and decorate the house
-Holiday Dinner Theater, "Cowboy Christmas"
-My daughters Micky D's work party (which was really fun)
-Special Needs school Christmas Program..every year it gets better!
-Dinner for our clients at work...
-and church of course...today we pay honor to Our Lady of Guadalupe
-also volunteered as a driver for the Salvation Army (my former church for years)

Anyway... I want to craft and go caroling
Even my kids said I am a lil' outta character this year....

Lord willing it'll pass and I will get outta this slump...remembering the reason I celebrate this AWSOME season!

[Crown 84]

From my own experience, I have learned that you just have to let the Christmas spirit/feel come on it's own time and terms. You can't force it.
Just do your reguar seasonal activities and it will come.

[Binger]

sorta of like sleep.. don't force ita nd it will come- just ask Crown.... they're an expert!
YABBA!

[Binger]

Nick Lowe was in Rockpile along with David Edmonds.. OMG- " Repeat When Necessary.." one of my FAVE college lps... " crawling fromthe wreckage.. crawling from the wreckage.. into a brand new carrrrrrrrrr... OMG yessssssss

YABBA!!!

[sila]

morning

nativity again today!!!

and i neeeeeeed sleep daughter came in at 3.30!!!!!

[Crown 84]

SEASON DAY 31 (Incredible - a month into the Season, already!)
Days to Christmas Day: 12

Good Morning, my friends.

Fifty-Seven degrees in Raleigh when I left for work.
It is overcast with the possibility of showers. (We are still in a drought situation and can use the rain)
Highs, only expected to be in the mid 40's by Saturday, will feel more seasonal.

Well, I watched "Christmas in Washington" last night.
As I expected, it was a mixed bag. The screamers were there as usual, but there were a few performers that were not too bad and a higher percentage of the songs were true Christmas songs.
That one guy "Allen"(?) had a nice original song done in a country style. I can't think of the name of it.

Have a Thrilling Thursday, everyone!

[Cedarfarm]

~Ohhhhh, the weather outside is frightful...but this java is SO delightful.....
Good Morning Christmas Pals...you Nutter Butters.

Crown, didn't catch the "Christmas in Washington"..I wanted to watch a Christmas movie instead. I search faithfully every evening to see a Christmas Special or a GOOD Christmas movie...nada. I would love to find "The Homecoming" or "Holiday Inn"...but no luck. I ended up watching, "The Christmas Carol" with Alstair Sims instead. Then dreamt I was FLYING, so I made the right decision!! (Don't you just love flying in your dreams? The air temperature is just right...you just float across the tree line, over the roofs.)

Ohhhhhhhhh Please PLEASE Please...Come home for Christmas...ohhhh yeah...YABBA!

[sila]

evening xxxxxxxxx
its sooooo christmassy at work
and i have the afternoon off tomorrow

[sila]

flying dreams are the best!!!!!!!!!

[morelia92]

Last night my honey and I watched a Christmas movie on lifetime.

It was about a woman who allowed her self to become discontent because although she was blessed with a wonderful husband and children she thought life looked better on the other side.

She was crying and hearing a voice looked into her drier. She morphed right into the life of her dreams....for awhile

Then she quickly found that sometimes just because you think things will make you happy....it is the simple things in life that fill your heart with love and the joy of the holidays!


Anyway.. didn't do anything "spectacular" but snuggling with my hubby and watching that movie was great! :yahoo:

[Crown 84]

I would love to find "The Homecoming" or "Holiday Inn"...but no luck. I ended up watching, "The Christmas Carol" with Alstair Sims instead.
I have them. Good movies, all!

[Binger]

I think Crown morphed into their dreams once- and of course they dreamed they were dreaming.. which morphed into another.. dream....etc...

[Binger]

Ohhh that Darlene Love is the best....... ohhhhh please please please baby please come home this Christmas.. hmmm she needs to be worked into an OPERA... hmmm plaid.. shispering pines.. hmm ok ok- I think I can do this....any suggestions on who should sing an aria as the villian? Any suggestions?

[Crown 84]

You Might Be a Coffee Addict if...

* Starbucks has decided to use you as their official mascot.
* You've ever carried your coffee cup into the shower with you in the morning.
* You regard the fact that your hands are shaking as a good sign.
* Your birthday is a national holiday in Colombia.
* You go to sleep just to wake up and smell the coffee.

[morelia92]

I love Holiday Inn and The Bells of St. Mary

[morelia92]

You Might Be a Coffee Addict if...


* You've ever carried your coffee cup into the shower with you in the morning.
* You regard the fact that your hands are shaking as a good sign.
* You go to sleep just to wake up and smell the coffee

these all fit me well...especially the coffee cup in the shower! LOL

[Crown 84]

You and our resident coffee expert, Binger, will get along great!
I think they have a secret yen to buy Starbucks.
(Of course, that would take LOTS of yen!)

[sila]

morning xxx
boss has given us all a half day for xmas shopping and mine is today

going to meet my friend and her Baby xx

[Cedarfarm]

Good FRIDAY Morning!!

~Wow SILA! Sounds like fun for you today...better get that shopping done!

Hmmm, now who will be the villian...hmmm, better let me ponder this. Over more coffee...Hmmm, villian, villian...

:-o

[clarebear]

Yay, it is so frosty and foggy here, its looking more like christmas! :merry:

[Crown 84]

SEASON DAY 32
Days to Christmas Day: 11 (Nearly down to single digits. Wow!)

Good Morning.
Our last warm morning (58 when I left for the office).
We have had FOUR straight days of record highs, now.
Things return to normal tomorrow.

A show coming up on Sunday which is a don't miss, is "Christmas at the White House" on HGTV.
This is an annual show covering the decorations at the White House and the installing of the official White House Christmas tree. I try never to miss that one. They always have the most incredible decorations.

Have a Fabulous Friday, everyone, and a great start to a wonderous weekend!

[JayIsh]

We love that show as well Crown! I just set it up to tape because we like to watch it a couple of times...I'd love to get to the White House someday during Christmastime to see those decorations in person, they do such a great job!

Snow and Ice are the watch words of the Northeast this morning...With more to come Saturday into Sunday...I guess it really is Christmastime!!!

jay

[Crown 84]

I guess many feel the way you do, Jay, since HGTV has it scheduled to run 3 times.

We did visit the White House MANY years ago (Lyndon Johnson was President if that give you an idea) but it was not at Christmas time.
(That was long before the heightened security and all you had to do was just walk in. No screening or security at all although it was only open on certain days/hours.
My have times changed!)